Striving to do God's will

STEAM Educational Approach

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experimental learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders and learners of the 21st century!

Update from the SJA STEAM Faculty Committee:
The STEAM initiative is alive and well at St. Joan of Arc! Every grade is exploring some aspect of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics in a new and unique way. Currently, there are many hands-on projects happening throughout the building. Students are engaged in activities that promote critical thinking, technology, and principles of engineering.

In September, SJA welcomed Mobile Ed's STEAM Museum. This comprehensive event turned the SJA gym into a state-of-the-art, hands-on children's museum focused on STEAM education. We explored activities suitable for all ages, such as an energy-producing bicycle, 3-dimensional printer, and a coding robot. Our students were able to delve into stations that enhanced their existing science and math knowledge and exposed our students to high-tech fields of study they have never seen before. Everyone really enjoyed the activities the museum provided!

To bring STEAM into the classroom, our preschool through fourth grade students are turning to literature. Based on stories like Pizza for Breakfast, From Seed to Plant, and Dear Mr. Henshaw, students made solar powered ovens to cook pizza, planted herb gardens, built structures from sugar cubes, and even discouraged lunch thieves by designing a lunch box alarm!

Fifth and sixth grade students have focused on learning about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, used their knowledge of angles with the art of origami, designed edible cars out of Rice Krispie Treats and various candy, and even completed some seasonal STEAM projects like testing the durability of marshmallow fortresses.

Junior High has done some amazing projects so far this year that have them thinking deeper and more critically. Students are collaborating to make earthquake-safe houses, focusing on (and trying to solve) global issues, and researching the physics behind current sports while possibly creating a new one.

Mrs. Leonard is exploring the art of public speaking with her 8th grade students. The students have presented speeches on their favorite poem, character sketches, and informative topics. They also presented “how-to” speeches where they explained to the class how to tie-dye, bake cookies, and do a trick on a bike. They are really pushing themselves to become more confident and comfortable with speaking in public.

Please ask your SJA students about all of the interesting STEAM related projects they are working on in their classrooms. They all love the critical thinking and hands-on activities that relate to all aspects of the STEAM initiative. Thanks to all who have donated supplies and materials to help make STEAM a successful part of our school!